Comfort vs. Comfortable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
Comfort refers to a state of physical ease and freedom from pain, while comfortable describes the quality of causing or providing such comfort.
Difference Between Comfort and Comfortable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Comfort is a state or condition that implies a sense of well-being, safety, or relief from distress and hardship. It can refer to physical ease, as well as emotional or psychological support. Whereas comfortable is an adjective that characterizes environments, objects, or situations that provide or contribute to a state of comfort. It's used to describe things that make us feel relaxed, at ease, and without discomfort.
While comfort is a broad term that encompasses various forms of relief and ease, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, comfortable specifically relates to the ability of something to provide that sense of comfort. For example, a soft chair might be described as comfortable because it contributes to one's physical comfort.
On one hand, seeking comfort can involve various actions or conditions, such as finding emotional support from a friend or warmth on a cold day. On the other hand, describing something as comfortable implies that it has qualities that inherently provide comfort, like a well-designed living space or a pair of soft shoes.
Comfort often involves a subjective experience that varies from person to person, depending on individual needs and preferences. Conversely, something being comfortable is generally recognized by a consensus on its qualities that universally promote comfort, such as ergonomic design or soft materials.
In discussions about well-being, comfort can be a goal or desired state, highlighting the importance of achieving a life free from undue stress and pain. Comfortable, however, is used to evaluate the extent to which aspects of our surroundings contribute to reaching that state of comfort, emphasizing the role of external factors.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of physical ease and relief from pain or hardship.
Having qualities that provide physical ease and well-being.
Type
Noun
Adjective
Scope
Can refer to physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.
Primarily describes things or situations that lead to comfort.
Usage
Describes a feeling or state.
Describes the characteristic of an object or environment.
Subjectivity
More subjective, varies greatly between individuals.
Generally agreed upon; what is considered comfortable is more universal.
Compare with Definitions
Comfort
A state of physical relaxation.
After a long day, sitting by the fire brought her great comfort.
Comfortable
Affording comfort.
The warm blanket made the chilly night comfortable.
Comfort
Satisfaction with one's circumstances.
They lived in comfort after years of hard work.
Comfortable
Creating a feeling of physical well-being.
The room's design made it a comfortable living space.
Comfort
Solace in times of distress.
He found comfort in his family's support during difficult times.
Comfortable
Providing ease and relaxation.
The comfortable sofa was everyone's favorite spot.
Comfort
Well-being and ease.
The new mattress offered a level of comfort she hadn't known before.
Comfortable
Free from discomfort or pain.
These shoes are comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Comfort
Freedom from pain or constraint.
The ergonomic chair provided comfort for his back pain.
Comfortable
Suiting one's needs or preferences well.
She found a comfortable rhythm in her new job.
Comfort
Comfort (or being comfortable) is a sense of physical or psychological ease, often characterized as a lack of hardship. Persons who are lacking in comfort are uncomfortable, or experiencing discomfort.
Comfortable
Providing physical comfort
A comfortable chair.
Comfort
To soothe in time of affliction or distress.
Comfortable
Free from stress or anxiety; at ease
Not comfortable about the interview.
Comfort
To ease physically; relieve
Comforted the feverish patient with a cool cloth.
Comfortable
Producing feelings of ease or security
A comfortable person.
A comfortable evening at home.
Comfort
A condition or feeling of pleasurable physical ease or relief from pain or stress
Finally sat in comfort on the soft pillows.
Comfortable
Sufficient to provide financial security
Comfortable earnings.
Comfort
A condition of well-being, contentment, and security
An income that allowed them to live in comfort.
Comfortable
Providing physical comfort and ease; agreeable.
This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.
Comfort
Solace or consolation in time of sorrow or distress
Soothing words of comfort.
Comfortable
In a state of comfort and content.
What a great guestroom! I'll be quite comfortable here.
Comfort
Help; assistance
Gave comfort to the enemy.
Comfortable
Confident; relaxed; not worried about someone or something.
Comfort
Something providing ease, convenience, or security
The comforts of modern living.
Comfortable
Amply sufficient, satisfactory.
A comfortable income should suffice to consider oneself rich.
The home team is ahead by a comfortable margin.
Comfort
A person or thing that brings consolation or mental ease
A friend who was a comfort to me in my grief.
Comfortable
(obsolete) Comforting, providing comfort; consolatory.
Comfort
Chiefly Southern & Lower Northern US A quilted bedcover; a comforter.
Comfortable
(obsolete) Strong; vigorous; valiant.
Comfort
Contentment, ease.
Sleep in comfort with our new mattress.
Comfortable
(obsolete) Serviceable; helpful.
Comfort
Something that offers comfort.
The comforts of home
Comfortable
(US) A stuffed or quilted coverlet for a bed; a comforter.
Comfort
A consolation; something relieving suffering or worry.
We still have the spare tire? That's a comfort at least.
Comfortable
Strong; vigorous; valiant.
Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death a while at the arm's end.
Comfort
A cause of relief or satisfaction.
The outcome of the peace negotiations in Moscow in 1940 was a heavy blow to the young nation, but in the same time a great comfort: at least the independency was preserved.
Comfortable
Serviceable; helpful.
Be comfortable to my mother, your mistress, and make much of her.
Comfort
(transitive) To relieve the distress or suffering of; to provide comfort to.
Rob comforted Aaron because he was lost and very sad.
Comfortable
Affording or imparting comfort or consolation; able to comfort; cheering; as, a comfortable hope.
A comfortable provision made for their subsistence.
Comfort
(transitive) To make comfortable. en
Comfortable
In a condition of comfort; having comforts; not suffering or anxious; hence, contented; cheerful; as, to lead a comfortable life.
My lord leans wondrously to discontent;His comfortable temper has forsook him:He is much out of health.
Comfort
(obsolete) To make strong; to invigorate; to fortify; to corroborate.
Comfortable
Free, or comparatively free, from pain or distress; - used of a sick person.
Comfort
(obsolete) To assist or help; to aid.
Comfortable
A stuffed or quilted coverlet for a bed; a comforter; a comfort.
Comfort
To make strong; to invigorate; to fortify; to corroborate.
God's own testimony . . . doth not a little comfort and confirm the same.
Comfortable
Providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (`comfy' is informal);
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable suburban houses
Made himself comfortable in an armchair
The antihistamine made her feel more comfortable
Are you comfortable?
Feeling comfy now?
Comfort
To assist or help; to aid.
I . . . can not help the noble chevalier:God comfort him in this necessity!
Comfortable
Free from stress or conducive to mental ease; having or affording peace of mind;
Was settled in a comfortable job, one for which he was well prepared
The comfortable thought that nothing could go wrong
Was comfortable in his religious beliefs
She's a comfortable person to be with
She felt comfortable with her fiance's parents
Comfort
To impart strength and hope to; to encourage; to relieve; to console; to cheer.
Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men.
That we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction.
A perfect woman, nobly planned,To warn, to comfort, and command.
Comfortable
More than adequate;
The home team had a comfortable lead
Comfort
Assistance; relief; support.
Comfortable
Sufficient to provide comfort;
A comfortable salary
Comfort
Encouragement; solace; consolation in trouble; also, that which affords consolation.
In comfort of her mother's fears.
Cheer thy spirit with this comfort.
Speaking words of endearment where words of comfort availed not.
Comfortable
In fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich;
They were comfortable or even wealthy by some standards
Easy living
A prosperous family
His family is well-situated financially
Well-to-do members of the community
Comfort
A state of quiet enjoyment; freedom from pain, want, or anxiety; also, whatever contributes to such a condition.
I had much joy and comfort in thy love.
He had the means of living in comfort.
Comfort
A wadded bedquilt; a comfortable.
Comfort
Unlawful support, countenance, or encouragement; as, to give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Comfort
A state of being relaxed and feeling no pain;
He is a man who enjoys his comfort
She longed for the comfortableness of her armchair
Comfort
A feeling of freedom from worry or disappointment
Comfort
The act of consoling; giving relief in affliction;
His presence was a consolation to her
Comfort
A freedom from financial difficulty that promotes a comfortable state;
A life of luxury and ease
He had all the material comforts of this world
Comfort
Give moral or emotional strength to
Comfort
Lessen pain or discomfort; alleviate;
Ease the pain in your legs
Common Curiosities
How does comfortable relate to comfort?
Comfortable describes something that provides or promotes a state of comfort, such as an item or situation that leads to ease and well-being.
What is comfort?
Comfort refers to a state of physical or emotional ease and freedom from discomfort or pain.
Can a situation be comfortable?
Yes, a situation can be described as comfortable if it makes individuals feel at ease, safe, and free from stress or pain.
What makes something comfortable?
Things are considered comfortable if they have qualities that reduce discomfort, such as softness, ergonomic design, or emotional reassurance.
Is comfort only physical?
No, comfort can also be emotional or psychological, involving feelings of security, contentment, and relief.
Is comfort always a good thing?
While generally positive, excessive comfort can sometimes deter personal growth or adaptation to new challenges.
Can comfort be measured?
Comfort is subjective and varies by individual, making it difficult to measure objectively; however, comfortable objects can be evaluated based on their features.
What is the relationship between comfort and health?
Comfort and health are closely related, as physical comfort can support physical health, and emotional comfort can contribute to mental health.
Can comfort vary between people?
Yes, what is comforting can vary widely between individuals, depending on personal preferences and needs.
How do you create a comfortable environment?
Creating a comfortable environment involves considering physical ease, such as furniture and temperature, as well as emotional factors like a sense of belonging or safety.
Is a comfortable lifestyle always expensive?
Not necessarily; a comfortable lifestyle can be achieved through means that prioritize well-being and satisfaction over material wealth.
How does comfort affect productivity?
Comfort can significantly affect productivity by reducing distractions from physical discomfort or emotional stress, thereby enhancing focus and efficiency.
How does culture influence comfort?
Cultural norms and values can shape what individuals consider comfortable, influencing preferences for living conditions, social interactions, and personal space.
What is an example of emotional comfort?
Emotional comfort can come from supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
Can technology enhance comfort?
Yes, technology can enhance comfort through innovations in home automation, ergonomic design, and personal health and wellness products.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
